Syracuse, NY, Dec 27, 2012 — Prepping for surgery can be a long, paper-driven process. A patient often has to sit on the phone detailing their medical history for a nurse -- again. Now, a Syracuse-area start-up is taking that process digital, and seeing surprising results.  Go to full article

Watertown, NY, Dec 17, 2012 — While lots of industries turned to information technology long ago to improve efficiency, accuracy and collaboration, until now, health care has lagged behind. Now, a big project has aimed to leverage IT in the health care in the North Country.  Go to full article

Star Lake, NY, Nov 15, 2012 — Many North Country hospitals are facing financial challenges, and looking for ways to ensure a healthy future.

Clifton-Fine is a tiny hospital in the northwest Adirondacks. It's searching for a larger hospital in the region to partner with, in hopes of gaining financial strength and better services.  Go to full article

Colton, NY, Nov 05, 2012 — The results of a Siena Poll released Thursday, Nov. 1, showing the 21st Congressional race in a dead heat, has the third party candidate recognizing that he could be the spoiler. So Tuesday when Green party candidate Don Hassig enters the ballot box, he won't be voting for himself, and he's encouraging his supporters to do the same.  Go to full article

Canton, NY, Nov 01, 2012 — Both presidential candidates are placing a lot of their attention on women voters as the election draws near. Women make up more than 52 percent of the vote. And according to at least one Democratic pollster, blue collar women may be the last swayable part of the electorate.

We spoke with women of different ages and experiences about the issues they most care about, and whether or not they'll be voting this year.  Go to full article

Oct 31, 2012 — E.J. Noble Hospital in Gouverneur reopened many of its services this week, after the New York State Health Department forced the Hospital to close down last month, saying the laboratory posed an imminent risk to patient health and safety.

Hospital Administrator Charles Canole says the hospital has been fixing the problems. He says it has hired a new medical director and a new lab supervisor. And it has also updated policies and procedures.  Go to full article

Potsdam, NY, Oct 30, 2012 — A huge number of American kids are considered overweight. Nearly one in five is classified as obese. So with a push from health experts, the medical community, and First Lady Michelle Obama, Congress approved the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act in 2010. And the USDA this fall started schools on a path toward serving healthier food.

Two things happened this fall: students started to rebel against the new food program. And the Republican candidate for the 21st Congressional District, Matt Doheny, made problems with the new guidelines a campaign issue.  Go to full article

Oct 26, 2012 — After a month of forced closure, the DOH sent out the following press release Friday evening. NCPR will be following up over the weekend, and will have more Monday during the 8 O'Clock Hour.

Statement on E.J. Noble:

ALBANY, N.Y. (October 26, 2012) -- On September 28, 2012, the New York State Department of Health (DOH) issued Commissioner's Orders for Summary Action suspending the operations of both the E.J. Noble Hospital and its clinical laboratory after serious deficiencies in the hospital's laboratory services were identified that posed imminent risk to patient health and safety.

Since the orders were issued, DOH, has been working closely with E.J. Noble administrators and staff to correct deficiencies identified in the laboratory. Samaritan Hospital has also provided valuable guidance and assistance to E.J. Noble to ensure that laboratory services meet all State requirements.

A recent on-site survey of the laboratory indicates that the laboratory has made significant progress to correct the deficiencies. Based on these findings, DOH will permit the laboratory to perform a limited menu of tests that will allow the hospital to reopen at 9 a.m., Monday, October 29, 2012.

Due to the limited laboratory testing that will be performed, certain acute medical procedures, including obstetric services and some surgeries, will not be permitted at the hospital at this time. E. J. Noble will be allowed to receive patients from EMS transport, but those needing treatment beyond the limited lab services at the hospital will be stabilized and transported to other facilities.

The Department of Health will continue to monitor lab services and patient safety at E.J. Noble and work with the hospital to address remaining issues related to laboratory services.

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Oct 23, 2012 — Eight hospitals in the Adirondack and Champlain regions announced Monday that they're about to begin using a $9 million telemedicine network.

The project includes 40 primary care facilities affiliated with the hospitals in St. Lawrence, Franklin, Essex, and other counties, as well as Fletcher Allen in Vermont, and the St. Regis Mohawk Tribe Health Services facility.  Go to full article

Oct 22, 2012 — Throughout the United States, hospitals are going through a period of change. Faced with increasing costs, decreasing reimbursements, and new regulations, many are merging or consolidating with other hospitals.

That hasn't happened so far in the North Country: in St. Lawrence and Jefferson Counties alone, there are ten independent hospitals. But many are struggling financially. Some experts say the North Country's health care system needs to start changing--and hospitals in our region are looking for ways to make a healthy future.  Go to full article